FEMA grants Texas request for disaster loans after Harvey

Federal officials have granted Texas’ request for loans aimed at helping local municipalities maintain normal operations and budgets as communities continue to recover from Hurricane Harvey.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) announced approval for the loans from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) late Monday, describing the federal funding as “critical” for cities in Texas still grappling with intense flooding and damage.

“These loans are critical to providing cities with the resources and flexibility to recover while still providing important services to the Texans in their communities,” Abbott said in a statement.

{mosads}Abbott had sent a letter to FEMA earlier Monday requesting that the loan program be activated for eligible communities in his state.

Abbott on Monday also added seven counties, including Austin, to a federal disaster declaration granted by FEMA. In total, 43 counties in the state are receiving federal assistance. 

Meanwhile, the House is expected to vote Wednesday on a larger disaster relief package for those impacted by the storm.